by Vikki Vaught
“It should not be long before it adjusts.” She took a step back and looked him over from head to toe. “All of a sudden you’re taller than either Ben or Charles, and certainly much taller than our father. In a few years, all the girls will be flirting outrageously with you.”
She linked arms with both her brothers. “Come. Let’s get out of this cold. Ben is in the drawing room with my aunts. He arrived yesterday. Oh, and be prepared for a shock. You’ll not believe the change in Aunt Mildred.”
Charles gave a disgusted snort. “What’s she doing here?”
As they made it through the front door, she quickly told them what their father had done. “I promise. She’s a different woman in manner and appearance.”
Michael interjected, “If you say so, sister, but it’s hard to imagine our aunt being anything other than nasty to us.”
When they had reached the drawing room, the boys were indeed shocked. Aunt Mildred greeted them with a shy smile. “It’s wonderful to see both of you.” She looked up at both boys. “I need to apologize for my past behavior. Please know that if I had shown you even a hint of affection, your father would have taken it out on you.”
While Charles and Michael both appeared skeptical, Charles said, “If you say so, Aunt. You’ve made our lives difficult, but I’m willing to start afresh.” He turned to Michael. “How about you?”
Her youngest brother shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose I’ll give her a chance to redeem herself.”
Aunt Mildred’s eyes glistened. “Thank you. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m so grateful for a second chance.”
Her brothers greeted Ben, and Mary turned to Aunt Marjorie. “Charles, Michael, this is my husband’s aunt, Lady Hardesty.”
Both young men bowed. Mary informed the pair, “I’m sorry my husband isn’t here to greet you. Unfortunately, he had a mishap earlier today.” She gave them a bit more information, and they expressed their concern but assured her they understood.
After tea, the boys went to get settled in. Mary assigned a footman to help them dress for dinner before heading off to visit Cortland. When she entered, she found him sitting up in bed with a smile on his face. “My goodness, you certainly look better.”
She settled in the seat by his bed as he told her, “I feel immeasurably better. Did your brothers arrive without mishap? Sorry I could not be there to welcome them.”
She smiled. “I explained why, and they told me to tell you they look forward to meeting you soon. I think they’re in shock over the difference in our aunt, more than anything right now. It will take them a few days to really accept she has changed.”
Cortland chuckled. “Once they see that, they will warm up to her, just as you have.” He turned a concerned face toward her. “How is Ben? He seemed a bit under the weather yesterday. I’m sure the wet and cold doesn’t help his asthma.”
The genuine concern he showed for her brother lit up her heart. “Oh, he’s much improved today. While he appears sickly, he’s actually healthier than he looks.”
“I’m relieved to hear that,” he replied. “I’d planned to suggest we get the apothecary to look at him, but with my accident, it slipped my mind.”
She reached over and touched his hand, and immediately felt a jolt of attraction. She was becoming such a wanton. She craved him even at the most inappropriate moments. With great effort, she pushed her desire away. “There’s no need. I promise. Well, I suppose I need to get dressed for dinner. I’ll come wish you a good night before I retire for the evening.”
He gave her a devilish grin and squeezed her hand. “I shall look forward to it. I think I shall rest until dinner. Enjoy your time with your brothers. Once the rest of our guests descend upon us, it will become quite hectic, I’m sure.”
“I know, but I can’t wait to see your niece and nephews. All the chaos will be worth it, to have our family here for the holidays.” She stood, then leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Cortland growled, “That’s not the kind of kiss I need. You can do better than that.”
Goosebumps danced along her arms. “But, I don’t want to hurt you.”
His compelling amber eyes darkened. “My lips are just fine.”
“Umm, if you’re sure.” She placed her mouth on his and she was lost. Without moving a muscle, he showed her exactly what kind of kiss he wanted.
****
Cortland let out a low groan once the door closed behind Mary. While he did feel better than earlier, deuce take it, his ribs ached, and he did not want her to know how much they hurt. Larken returned and he brought a towel filled with ice to place on his sore ribs. Within a few minutes of his valet applying the ice, his pain dissipated, allowing him to fall asleep.
When he awoke a couple of hours later, he ate his evening meal, then spent the rest of the evening reading. Mary came in at ten o’clock, but even though he tried to convince her he wanted her to stay, she refused, stating she did not want to cause him any pain.
Her blue-green eyes had flared, so it was not lack of desire. She’d looked pleased and surprised when he had asked, but no matter how he cajoled, she would not budge. She kissed his forehead, then murmured goodnight and left him alone.
After Larken gave him a dose of the laudanum, he drifted off to sleep. Fortunately, he did not experience a nightmare—he surely would have awoken from the agony his thrashing would have caused—and awoke feeling well rested the next morning. His ribs did not ache nearly as much as they had the day before, and he looked forward to getting out of his room.
Anxious to meet Mary’s brothers, he had Larken help him dress, and he gingerly made his way to the breakfast room. When he entered, the three young men rose from their seats. He immediately tried to put them at ease. “Please, continue eating. I’ll just fill a plate and join you. Now, which one of you is Charles, and which one is Michael?”
The taller of the two youths offered his hand. “I’m Michael. Good to meet you, sir.” The lad resembled Mary a great deal. He had her eyes, and his hair was the same shade of brown.
The other boy stuck out his hand as well. “I’m Charles. Thank you for having us here for the holidays, sir.” This youth had an infectious grin and his hazel eyes twinkled with merriment.
Ben spoke up. “I didn’t expect you to join us so soon after your accident. Glad it was not as serious as we had originally thought.”
Once he had filled his plate with eggs, kippers, and sausages, along with several slices of buttered toast, he took a seat at the head of the table. He winced as he sank into the chair. Damn, he had to be careful, or a jolt of pain would unman him in front of his brothers-in-law.
After he shook out his napkin, he placed it on his lap. “Fortunately, my ribs were only bruised, not broken. I just need to take it easy for a few days.”
“I know my sister was greatly relieved when she told us they weren’t broken,” Ben replied.
The young men returned to their meal and while they had further conversation, they primarily focused on the food before them. When all of them had eaten their fill, Cortland told them he would see them this afternoon at tea and went to his study.
While the others went to church, he spent his time going over reports that Collins had left for him. He took a long nap in the afternoon, resting, to his surprise, for the entire day. He did join everyone for dinner, but excused himself afterward and retired for the night.
The following morning, he was able to climb out of bed without wincing, and didn’t require any help to complete his morning routine. While it would be a while before he could ride again, he was thankful that he could resume his other daily activities.
Late that afternoon, Lord and Lady Billingsley arrived, to his wife’s delight. Mary ran to Kathleen as soon as they came inside and gave her a hug. “Oh, I’m so pleased you decided to come.”
Kathleen giggled. “We were thrilled that you asked us. It will be so wonderful to have our families together for the Christmas season. Please let me know
if I can do anything to help.”
Cortland would have offered his hand to Billingsley, but the man had his adorable daughter in his arms. “How was your journey?”
The man placed the toddler on his left hip and offered him his hand, and Cortland shook it. “Not bad. When we left Saturday, it was a bit cold, but dry. We spent two nights at my friend’s estate. Lord Blythe’s home is on the outskirts of Salisbury, so it was an easy drive from Grainger Hall. We left at dawn this morning, and while some of the roads were a bit muddy, we still made good time.”
While their wives continued to chat in the entryway, Cortland said, “Excellent. I remember meeting Blythe the morning we went to Angelo’s. Nice chap. In fact, I enjoyed meeting all three of your friends.”
They talked on for a few more minutes before Mary had Mrs. Hadley show them to their rooms. He and Billingsley parted with the agreement to meet in his study in an hour. He turned to Mary. “I’m so glad they could make it. I like Billingsley even more than when I met him last month. I suppose we need to go upstairs and dress for dinner. Come, my dear.”
They made their way to their rooms, and he left her to get ready while he went to do the same. When he entered his bedchamber, Larken had his evening clothes laid out for him, and after a quick shave, he donned them and went downstairs to meet his new friend.
Billingsley showed up a few minutes after him. “Would you care for a brandy?” Cortland asked.
“I would,” he replied. “So…my wife’s machinations bore fruit. When she comes up with a scheme, it usually does. I must say I was still surprised when she told me you had wed Lady Mary. I had gotten the impression from you that marriage was the farthest thing from your mind.”
He had said something to that effect during their fencing match. He’d forgotten. He poured them both a glass of brandy and handed one to Billingsley, after the man took a seat in the chair in front of his desk.
After Cortland sat, he answered him, “It was. When I met my wife at your ball, I was immediately attracted to her, but I would not have acted on it, if I hadn’t learned of her peril.” Then he told Billingsley how it had all come about. “It’s turned out rather well. Mary is wonderful with my wards, and we have found quite a bit of common ground.”
“I’m glad it’s worked out for you. Kathleen is probably grilling your wife as we speak. She could barely contain herself on the trip.” His expression turned somber. “Please accept my condolences on the death of your uncle. I met him last spring when we worked on a bill together.”
The mention of his uncle’s demise sent an arrow straight to his heart. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Thank you. He will be greatly missed, especially by my aunt. Under the circumstances, she’s doing better than I expected. It was hard on her to lose him so soon after my cousin’s death.”
“A terrible tragedy,” Billingsley commiserated. “I went to school with Wallingford, but he was a couple of years older than I, so I didn’t know him well. I suppose you’ll take your seat in the House of Lords next year.”
Another burden he had never expected to have. “While I never imagined I would inherit my uncle’s title, I will do my duty, but it’s not something I ever wanted to do. I had wanted to be a country gentleman as my father was, not a politician.” He glanced at the clock. “I’ve enjoyed talking, but it’s past time we joined the ladies in the drawing room.”
As they entered, he took in his wife chatting animatedly with her friend. All he wanted to do was go to her, pull her into his arms, and kiss her silly, but until his ribs healed a bit more, that would have to wait. Besides, he would not want to embarrass her in front of her friends and the aunts.
Wallis entered and announced dinner. He went to Mary and helped her arise, then offered his arm as Billingsley did the same for Kathleen. Ben escorted Aunt Matilda, and Charles and Michael assisted Aunt Marjorie into the dining room.
Conversation around the table was lively, and Cook had prepared one of his favorite dishes. When the footmen served cherry tart for dessert, he smiled. Another one of his favorites. When Mary suggested that the women leave the men to their port and cigars, he assured her they would join them shortly.
As he watched her gracefully lead the other ladies out of the dining room, he sent another prayer to God for bringing her into his life.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The men did not linger long over their libations. Mary enjoyed seeing the camaraderie developing between her brothers and her husband. Even though Michael was a little young to remain with the adults, Cortland had insisted he be allowed to join the men. He’d looked so eager and excited; she did not have the heart to deny him the experience.
She looked around the room, taking in her family and her dear friend, Kathleen, and her husband. What a change. Two months ago, she’d run to her friend, terrified over what her father had planned for her. Now she was a married woman with a wonderful husband—whom she loved—and two adorable children she had the honor to help raise. If it were not for the threat hanging over Cortland’s head, she would be divinely happy.
Every time she remembered how close she had come to losing him, icy waves of panic raced through her veins. She had never expected to fall in love, since she’d always believed her father would choose her husband, but her heavenly Father had seen fit to send her a hero of her very own. Thank God for her friend and her husband. She would never have had the nerve to circumvent the earl on her own.
Please, Lord. Let me help him find the peace and serenity that has been so sorely lacking in his life during his long ordeal. Help us raise Gerrard and Aimee to be strong and honorable. Above all, keep him safe.
Kathleen nudged her. “What are you thinking about, my friend? You were looking so happy, but then a shadow fell across your face. Is all well with you and your husband?”
Mary turned to her friend. “Oh, Kathleen, it’s wonderful. How can I ever thank you enough for helping me? Cortland is everything I would ever want in a husband.”
She pursed her lips together. “What are you not telling me? While I do believe you’re happy with Cortland, something else has you worried. What is it?”
She hesitated. Should she tell Kathleen about the accidents, or keep quiet? Perhaps it would allay some of her fears if she told her. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Someone is trying to kill my husband.”
“What?” Oh, goodness, she should not have been so blunt. Thank goodness the others were so involved in their conversations. Only Cortland cast a glance in her direction. She offered him a demure smile, and he grinned back before turning his attention back to the other gentlemen. Her friend must have realized she had spoken too loud, because she leaned in and whispered, “Who would want to do that? He hasn’t been back long enough to make any enemies.” Then her eyes widened. “Wait a minute. Do you think some of those horrid men who held him captive could have come after him?”
Leave it to Kathleen to think of something as outlandish as that. But…could it be a possibility? While the very thought of that was terrifying, it would mean her father was not behind the accidents. No, deep in her gut, she knew it was her father.
She took a steadying breath. “No, I very much fear it’s my father. While he seemed to accept he could not do anything about my marriage, he doesn’t like having his plans foiled. Of course, he did wring my entire dowry from Cortland, plus some. It just doesn’t make sense for it to be anyone else.”
“What does your husband think?” Kathleen asked.
“He seems to think it’s possible the marquess is behind these accidents, but I don’t agree. That detestable man wasn’t even sure he wanted to accept my father’s offer.” She sighed. “So, no, I believe it has to be my father.”
“Oh, Mary,” she replied, “I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. Not only do you have this to contend with, you have that horrid aunt of yours here as well.” She raised a brow. “How did that happen?”
She quickly shared what her father had done when he had co
me to visit, and that her aunt had made a complete turnaround. “So you see, she has actually helped Cortland’s aunt deal with her grief.”
“I must say, she does look entirely different,” she mused, “nothing like she did two months ago. Well, as long as her being here is all right with you, then I will give her the benefit of the doubt.”
Charles came over and asked if they could play charades. Mary gave him permission, and soon everyone was laughing as Michael and Charles acted out their clues. Andrew quickly figured it out, and then he and Kathleen took over.
This went on for well over two hours. Mary noticed Cortland’s color had faded. Goodness, this was too much for him so soon after his accident. She called the game to a halt, telling her brothers it was time to retire. The aunts agreed and left along with the boys, leaving her and Cortland with their friends.
Kathleen stood. “Andrew. I think I’m ready to retire as well. We have been traveling for days. Are you ready to go up?”
“Whatever you desire, my sweet.” He turned to Cortland and asked, “Could you show me around your estate tomorrow?”
Cortland sighed, “I wish I could, but I fell off my horse the other day and bruised a few ribs.”
“Took a tumble, did you?” Andrew replied. “Happens to the best of us. I’m sure we can continue our talk from earlier regarding a few bills I’m working on. With the war on again, we have much to accomplish, so our men have what they need to fight the bloody French.” He glanced at her and Kathleen, looking sheepish. “Sorry ladies, pardon my language.”
Cortland interjected, “Anything I can do to help defeat Bonaparte.” He turned to Mary and asked, “What do you ladies have planned?”
She looked over at her friend, then answered, “Kathleen and I want to take the children to the pound for skating. You did say it was frozen over, correct?”
